Siddique and Raja provide silver lining

Wood to bolster Desert Vipers attack against Dubai Capitals missing Root

Siddique is the second-highest wicket-taker during the inaugural edition of the league while Raja has shown his skills, claiming six wickets in six matches.

With rains playing spoilsport in the International League Twenty20, the UAE pacers Junaid Siddique and Akif Raja have shone brightly for Sharjah Warriors.

Siddique is the secondhighest wicket-taker during the inaugural edition of the league while Raja has shown his skills, claiming six wickets in six matches. Rain has played spoilsport over the last couple of days and the Gulf Giants-MI Emirates match was abandoned at the Dubai International Stadium yesterday.

Both these UAE stars will be hoping to continue their impressive run when the Warriors take on Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Sharjah Cricket Stadium at 2pm in the first of the double-header today.

Pleased with showing

Siddique is particularly pleased with his contest against the former West Indian skipper and MI Emirates captain Kieron Pollard.

“There are so many superstars in this tournament. The DP World ILT20 is a big opportunity to learn something different. Pollard is a T20 legend and I have got him out a few times. I have always looked to make batting difficult for him whenever I bowled against him,” Siddique, who produced his best bowling figures of two for four in the tournament against Dubai Capitals in Sharjah on Thursday, said.

“Naveen-ul-Haq and Chris Woakes have shared their experience with me. They have also shared tips with me and have spoken to me about how to bowl in difficult situations. The captain and the coaching staff have shown trust in my abilities and given me the big opportunity of being a frontline bowler for the Warriors.”

Raja said he was enjoying the tournament. “The tournament is going great for me. I am enjoying it a lot. It feels really great to dismiss good batters. I always try to get good batters out. I can help my team win if I can get the good batters out.”

Dubai Capitals, who will be without Joe Root, will be hoping to string a few victories together as they get ready to take on the Desert Vipers, bolstered by pacer Luke Wood.